The Effect of Cancer Diagnosis Information on the Anxiety of Patients with an Initial Diagnosis of First Cancer

Author

Kim S. Allen, Grand Valley State University

Date Approved

1997

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Nursing (M.S.N.)

Degree Program

College of Nursing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of differing educational programs on state anxiety of patients with an initial diagnosis of first cancer. The Neuman Systems Model was used as the conceptual framework. The convenience sample included 40 patients in an outpatient chemotherapy clinic. The control group (n=21) received the standard cancer education, the experimental group (n=19) received additional cancer diagnosis information. The dependent variable, state anxiety, was measured using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Two-way ANCOVA demonstrated that, after controlling for pre-test trait and state anxiety, the experimental group who received additional cancer diagnosis information had lower scores in state anxiety. This finding was not significant (F= 1.99, df= 1,36, p = .167). However, the intervention explained 42.67% of the variance in state anxiety. The findings suggest that cancer diagnosis information may decrease state anxiety in patients with an initial diagnosis of first cancer.

Comments

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ScholarWorks Citation

Allen, Kim S., "The Effect of Cancer Diagnosis Information on the Anxiety of Patients with an Initial Diagnosis of First Cancer" (1997). Masters Theses. 308.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/theses/308